Remorse vs. Repentance
Remorse vs. Repentance, what’s the difference? Does it matter?
We sometimes hear about those who have committed a crime and, during the court proceedings, the offender shows remorse for their actions. We look for remorse as a sign that the offender understands they’ve done wrong. But, remorse alone isn’t enough, is it?
Matthew 27:3 “When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.”
That’s right. Judas showed remorse. According to Strong’s Concordance, the word for remorse in Greek is “metamelomai” which means “to care afterward” (1). Isn’t that profound? Judas cared afterward. He only regretted his actions after the deed was done.
Remorse is incomplete. It’s only a half-step in the direction of change. It’s an act of sorrow without a transformation. But if the sinner goes no further, there is no change. It’s more of an “I’m sorry because I got caught”. Remorse is sorrow for the immediate consequences but there remains a desire to continue pursuing the life, attitudes and sinful pleasures that caused the occasion for regret. A show of remorse doesn’t mean the person’s changed their ways. The individual may only become more stealthy and more deceitful because, deep down, there was no change of heart, just a brief show of contrition to cover the offense.
Friends, remorse isn’t enough. We need to pray for repentance.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow is the word, “lype” and it describes a sorrow, pain and grief; a mourning (2). Godly sorrow is grieving according to the will of God, “kata” (3). When we allow God to stir our hearts, we’re grieved by our sin and we’re drawn to repentance- a desire to change, turn from sin to God. We begin to see how our sin is rebellion against God and how it drives us away from Him.
Repentance, ‘metanoya’ in the Greek, is a change of mind, a guilt that includes reformation and a reversal of decision or action. The word has two parts, ‘meta’- the whole, before, and after and ‘noya’ - the deeper understanding. Repentance is a deeper understanding of the grievousness of our sin and the gravity of the offense against God.
Remorse is being sorry for the moment. Repentance is grieving over the whole story, how the sin has impacted everything before and will continue to destroy everything following…unless there is a change. Does it make sense? Can you see the difference? Godly sorrow brings repentance. Remorse doesn’t bring change at all.
Godly sorrow brings repentance.
Remorse doesn’t bring change at all.
Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Can you see the deeper meaning here? If Godly sorrow is mourning over our sin…and Jesus is the remedy for our sin… what comfort!! What relief!!
Jesus wasn’t just speaking about those grieving loved ones lost, that’s the ‘surface’ meaning. No, He was talking about mourning our sin. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are those who see their sin and are grieved by it. Blessed are they who understand that sin brings death. Blessed are they who grieve its presence, its impact and the destruction it causes. Because when they do see and understand it, and grieve it honestly and ‘metanoya’= seek change through the redemption that Jesus brings, they will be blessed, they will live! Eternal life will be theirs to enjoy!
Oh how we want the hearts of our sons and daughters to be tender to the Lord! Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are confronted with their sin. That’s a hard prayer, but an important one. Don’t just pray that they are remorseful, because that’s an incomplete response to sin that doesn’t generate change. Pray for repentance and redemption. Pray for a life surrendered to Jesus.
“Father, You see our secret sins, the ones we hide and cherish. You see the things we choose to do when we think no one is looking. You see our desires and our endeavors. You know our motivations. I know You see the heart of my (son/daughter) and You know the sin they struggle with. Lord, they cannot hide from You and they cannot deceive You, I’m so grateful for that. I pray that You would work in (name)’s heart today. Don’t just cause them to be ‘caught’ and remorseful, but Lord, stir a deep grief in their heart and mind for any way they’ve opposed You. I pray that they would understand the pain their sin caused others and You. I pray, Lord, that they would mourn the ways that sin impacts their life, the ‘before, present and afterward’ unless they repent and seek restoration and redemption in Jesus. Lord, even if (name) knows You as Lord and Savior, sin still plays a role because we live in a sinful world. I pray that You would stir in them an honest mourning for sin and a desire to seek repentance. Work in my life, too, Lord. Help me to grieve over sin, as well. I’m not beyond making mistakes or stumbling. Help me not to be prideful but to admit any wrong that I’ve done. Change me, Lord, so that I reflect Christ in my life. Bring fruit. Destroy the “Judas” in my heart and replace it with Jesus so that I live for Him daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray for a life surrendered to Jesus.
Pray without ceasing
G3338 - metamelomai - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3338/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G3077 - lypē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3077/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G2596 - kata - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2596/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Authentic Rest
As parents, our lives are crazy-busy, right? We’re continuously running after something, putting out fires, or trying to stay two steps ahead. It’s exhausting. As our sons and daughters become adults, the ‘busy’ doesn’t stop, it just shifts to other things. Then, we watch as our kids juggle,and run, and try to keep up. It doesn’t stop. Many will admit they’re in desperate need of rest. But so few know how to actually embrace and enjoy authentic rest. Where do we find it? How can we get it?
Jesus said, ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”” Matthew 11:28 Could it really be that simple?
Come to me all you who are weary. That word “weary” is the word “kopiao” in Greek and it means “exhausted with toils and burdens” (1), but it’s from the root word “kopos” which means “a beating, intense labor united with trouble and toil” (2) It’s true. Sometimes we feel as if life is giving us a beating…and each day compounds with the next until we’re barely able to cope. We’re not thriving. We are weary.
But that’s not all. We’re not just weary, we’re burdened. The Greek word is “phortizo” which means loaded with spiritual anxiety, burdensome requirements (3). Jesus was addressing the rules of the Jews- so burdensome that no one could ever measure up. But today, we are often burdened by the unrealistic examples set before us, the ‘influencers’ who look as if they have it all together, success at work, brilliant happy children, a beautiful home and the perfect figure…both in income and body. They have it all together and we just can’t measure up. We feel defeated. And it’s not just in the world, it’s in the church. We’re loaded with unrealistic man-made expectations that weigh us down.
Jesus calls us to come to Him. That’s the first step in pursuing rest. We need to make the choice. We choose so many of the ‘cares’: care-giver, care-taker, self-care, healthcare…but we often forget soul care. And that, friends, is where the weariness settles into our hearts and minds and weighs on us like no other burden can. We need to stop looking all around us and simply look to Him. We need to come. We don’t need to bring a gift, prepare a meal, or get all ‘gussied up’. We come as we are. That’s how Jesus wants us.
And what will happen when we come? Oh, when we come, He promises rest. The word ‘rest’ in Greek is “anapauo” which means “to cause or permit one to cease from any movement or labor in order to recover and collect his strength; to keep quiet, of a calm and patient expectation” (4) It is rooted in two other words: ‘ana’ - into the midst, or to cause motion upward (5) and ‘pauo’- to make to cease and desist, to refrain a person from something (6). Jesus steps into the midst of our busy crazy life and brings a pause and calls us upward, to Him. He calls us to stop and recover. He calls us from burning ourselves out with all of the ‘doing’ and to pause and enjoy ‘being’ in His Presence.
Oh, don’t we long to have someone say to us “Come here so you can just stop and rest, lay down your burdens and worries and take time to recover and collect your strength., enjoy the calm and take your time, there’s no rush”? Breathe that in for a moment, friends. THAT is rest! And that’s what Jesus promises us. We don’t have to earn it. We don’t need to buy it. There are no prerequisites. Jesus’ rest is free for those who come. Far too often, we’re rushing to and fro, so much so, that we can’t stop… we don’t stop…and we bemoan our weariness and wish someone would allow us time to rest and would give us refreshment for our body, mind and soul. Jesus has. He does.
We set examples for our sons and daughters in so many things…but have we shown them how to properly, intentionally rest? Have we communicated that rest is not laziness and that soul-care is not selfish? Have we lived “coming to Jesus and resting” so they can see it modeled?
Friends, let’s pray today that we and our sons and daughters learn how to Come to Jesus with our weariness and step away from unrealistic expectations. Let’s pray that we allow Jesus to step into the midst and reminds us to cease our striving and simply rest in Him. Let’s enjoy the calm of sitting with Jesus and not rush on to the next thing. Let’s take enough time that we recover our strength for what He’s calling us to, not running after what the world tells us we need to do. Jesus will give us rest. We need to be intentional to step into it.
“Father, You call us to come to You for rest, yet we seem to struggle with that. We crave relief and recovery, yet we look everywhere else but to You. We fall into the trap of busyness and always ‘doing’ but we struggle to just ‘be’ in your Presence. Help us today to come to You to rest. Give us refreshment. Unburden our hearts and minds and still our restless spirits. I pray that You would help me model this well to others, especially to (name). Lord, I pray that (name) would learn quickly to look to Jesus for the remedy for their weary body, mind and soul. Don’t let us be distracted by the pace of this life or discouraged by influencers who would set unrealistic standards. You are the Standard. Let us look to You, only, and trust that You are working in us to fulfill Your plan in Your time. Lord, give us willing hearts to follow after You and rest in You. Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Heb. 13:20-21)
Pray without ceasing.
1. G2873 - kopos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2873/niv/mgnt/0-1/
2. G2873 - kopos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2873/niv/mgnt/0-1/
3. G5412 - phortizō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5412/niv/mgnt/0-1/
4. G373 - anapauō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g373/niv/mgnt/0-1/
5. G303 - ana - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g303/niv/mgnt/0-1/
The Blessing and Gift of Grief
Grief is heavy.
It’s an experience we would rather avoid.
When we encounter others who are grieving, we’re often at a loss for words. We’re uncomfortable with the heaviness and we’re ill-equipped to help others handle their loss. It’s deeply personal and life-altering. We don’t know how to make it better or relieve the pain… we can’t.
Grief is hard.
Many of us have encountered loss and endured grief in our lives. As parents, we do our best to shield our children from that pain, yet, we can’t fully protect them from it. Jesus tells us in John 16:33, ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Grief will come. It will hurt. It doesn’t just bruise you, it’s an amputation that leaves you forever changed. It will disorient you and you’ll be convinced that it will suffocate you.
Psalm 31:9 “Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief.” (NIV)
But if you lean in closely, you will hear the Lord whisper. You may feel like you live in the shadows, but they are the shadows of His wings, covering you until you’re ready for anything else.
Psalm 91:1-2, 4 “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (NIV)
Grief means that vivid memories may bring streams of tears or an ache so deep that we weep at the pain. But God assures us that collects each one of our tears and records the reason for the pain and grief…He doesn’t forget.
Psalm 56:8 “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (NLT)
And one day, God tells us He will wipe away every tear and we’ll no longer grieve. Death and loss will be no more.
Revelation 21:4 “‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”” (NIV)
And all the while, if we’re willing, if we trust Him, we will grow deeper in our understanding of His heart.
Grief can be a gift because it shakes us out of a false sense of comfort and belonging here in this world. Suddenly we’re confronted with everything not being okay. We are shaken by the pain that greets us each morning and sticks with us through each day. We are cognizant of something beyond this life…and the eternity that God placed in our hearts suddenly becomes real, tangible and stirs a longing unlike anything we’ve ever felt before (Ecc. 3:11). If we’re willing, it can be the thing that draws us so much deeper into a walk with the Lord. He gives the peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). He gives strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow. He gives and will give more. God doesn’t do this to deprive us, He does this to demonstrate how much more waits for us…if we trust Him (Eph. 3:18-20). He will restore our losses and comfort our broken hearts.
Personally speaking, without the deep grief I’ve endured, I don’t know that I would long for heaven. Without grief I don’t know that I would understand the deep, abiding comfort of my Savior. Without grief, I would still be enjoying all that life has to offer with little thought to my eternity. But now, eternity is so real, life is so fleeting, my love for God is deeper and more vibrant than before I tasted grief and loss.
Grief can be a gift if we trust the Lord enough to let Him walk us through it. He’s walked that path. He knows grief and He longs to walk alongside us as we lean into Him.
Isaiah 53:3-5 “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (ESV)
Jesus understands our grief. He bore it on the cross. Go to Him, fall at His feet. Pour out your heart and rest in His shadow. He is always enough. And when you begin to see the glimmer of life again and you begin to breathe again, you’ll see that the gift of grief is held by the nail-scarred hands of the Savior who loves you so. Cling tightly.
Pray without ceasing.
The Power of Praying in Jesus’ Name
Why is it that we pray in Jesus’ name?
Most of us, when we pray, finish by saying ‘In Jesus’ name, amen.” But why should we be intentional about doing so?
First, there is salvation in no one else, no other name under heaven , no god, no power other than Jesus Christ brings salvation, redemption, forgiveness and freedom.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
Next, we know that Jesus holds ALL authority. He reminded the disciples of this in Matthew 28:18
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Who better to lift our appeals and praise to than the One who has all authority? He shares His position and power with no other. He truly is Almighty.
There is power in the name of Jesus; and everyone and everything will one day bow the knee and confess His Lordship.
Philippians 2:9-11 “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
The dangers of ambiguity
We live in a culture and age in which, too often, people will depend on “good vibes” or will “pray” to a ‘nebulous’ god, but not to the One to whom they should submit as Lord and Savior. In many ways, it’s an act of defiance and in others, idolatry. We hear people appeal to ‘goodness’ or comfort others by saying they will ‘hold others in the light’, but none has the power to do what Jesus’ can and will do. Remember, Satan masquerades as an ‘angel of light’ (2 Corinthians 11:14) He will do whatever he can do detract and pull us from the true Powerhouse of Prayer. Authentic, life-changing prayer happens in true relationship with Jesus Christ. There is no substitute.
What evidence does scripture give of the effectiveness of prayer in Jesus’ name?
Prayer in Jesus’ name brings healing:
Acts 3:6 is the account of Peter and John providing healing for the lame man; “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”
Did you catch that? In the name of Jesus!
Prayer in Jesus’ name causes earthly authority to fear:
Acts 4:18 “And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.”
Prayer in Jesus' name has power over supernatural/spiritual oppression and demonic influence:
Acts 16:16-18 Paul and Silas encountered a demon-possessed girl. “One day as we were going down to the place of prayer, we met a demon-possessed slave girl. She was a fortune-teller who earned a lot of money for her masters. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, and they have come to tell you how to be saved.” This went on day after day until Paul got so exasperated that he turned and said to the demon within her, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And instantly it left her.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name gives life:
John 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name gives boldness:
Ephesians 6:19-20 was Paul’s appeal to the believers to pray for him as he continued to share the gospel. “And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name brings unity:
1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name cleanses us, justifies us before God and makes us holy:
1 Corinthians 6:11 “…But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name brings comfort:
2 Corinthians 1:3 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,”
Prayer in Jesus’ name guards and protects:
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer in Jesus’ name is powerful, effective and not only brings change to the situation, but has the power to change us in the process, as well.
James 5:17b “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
What is it that you’re praying for today? Pray boldly. Pray with confidence and pray in Jesus’ name.
Why not share your requests here? You can be as specific or as general as you feel comfortable. But we can all lift one another in prayer and bring these burdens and heartaches to the throne of grace. Prayer in Jesus’s name is powerful and effective. Let’s amp up our prayer life. Let’s grab hold of the power that is ours in Jesus. Let’s fight on our knees with the power of heaven on our side. No ‘good vibes’. No holding one another in the light. No generic drive-through prayers. Let’s pray bolding in the name of Jesus!
Pray without ceasing, friends. We serve the almighty God, maker of heaven and earth!
Doubt, Part 3: Independence and Suspicion
We’ve reached our final week discussing doubt and praying for protection and deliverance for our loved ones who struggle. (if you missed parts 1 and 2, just go back to the posts from the last two weeks)
Here is our chart, once again. We’ll focus on the last two lines today discussing independence and suspicion.
Independence is a false sense of security in oneself and one’s knowledge. It is an inability or unwillingness to trust God. Proverbs 26:12 “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” Essentially, independence is self-importance and self-reliance that essentially makes us a god unto ourselves. Satan’s first big deception was based on this lie. When he tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil he said, “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”" Genesis 3:5. Ah, being like God, independent and in charge of one’s own destiny. Being like God with no need for support, protection and provision. Independent….and lost. Because we are not like God at all. We are made in His image, yet we are so in need of a Savior. Independence is a lie of the Enemy meant to keep us from the safety of the Savior.
But Psalm 40:4 says, “ Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” Reliance on the Lord is not a weakness, it’s a powerful, spirit-infused strength that combats “principalities and powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness” Ephesians 6:13. Now that’s security! We must pray that our sons and daughters continually see their need for the Lord and willingly submit themselves to Him. Pray that the lie of independence would be obvious and the yearning for dependence on their Savior would be insatiable.
Suspicion is the final aspect of doubt that we’ll discuss here. It’s an inability to trust. It’s a constant questioning and refusal to believe the truth of something. But John 14:6 tells us, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” And God doesn’t lie…so if what He says is true, we can believe it. Paul confirms this in Titus 1:2, “ in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” and Hebrews 6:18, “...it is impossible for God to lie…” He is True. He is Faithful We CAN trust Him! We need to pray that our sons and daughters don’t allow doubt to creep in and stir suspicion against the Lord. And if that suspicion arises, that they have spiritual discretion to know whether it’s a warning of the Holy Spirit or a deception of the enemy to pull them from the Lord.
Now, look at the opposite list that contradicts the list of doubts. God gives so many assurances that fight the doubt stirred up by the devil.
Certainty:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Clarity:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1: 1-5
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Confidence:
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
Knowledge:
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;” Proverbs 2:6
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
Reliance:
“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;” Psalm 1:1-6
Trust:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!” Psalm 40:4
Friends, doubt is a scheme of the devil. He will veil our eyes so that what is true is concealed. He will interfere with our understanding so we are confused. He is the author of doubt, confusion and fear….and too often we risk falling victim to his schemes. We MUST be in the Word!! We must know the truth and be able to speak it out to battle against doubt and deception.
Today, let’s pray that God would protect our sons and daughters from the dangers of doubt. Pray that God would make His Truth clear to them in visible, tangible, understandable ways. Pray that, as in Psalm 1, they would not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of the ungodly but that they would pursue Christ only and always.
Friends, only God can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). If God can turn the heart of a King any direction He chooses (Proverbs 21:1), He can certainly turn the heart of our sons and daughters toward Him and guard them against the enemy.
Today, write out a prayer for your sons and daughters that you can pray throughout the week. If you’d be willing to share it, we’d love to read it! Let’s encourage one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24). Let’s build one another up in our most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20).
Pray without ceasing.
Doubt, part 2. The Poison of Distrust and Ignorance
If you’ve come back for part 2 of the “Doubt Series”, thank you!! Here’s our chart again, for reference: (If you missed part 1, just look at last week’s post)
This week we’re going to tackle the next two words on our chart, distrust and ignorance. Both of those words have a negative connotation, and rightly so. Doubt grooms negative, questioning attitudes. We’re not talking about questions that arise from good discretion, we’re talking about questions that are born from the attacks of Satan due to a lack of scriptural knowledge and spiritual discretion.
We’ve all had times of questioning. Does it mean we’re not believers in Christ? Of course not. Mark 9 gives the account of the man who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. He’d heard of Jesus’ miracles. He listened to His teaching and he knew that if anyone could help his son, it was Jesus. He believed. Then the man approached Jesus and said,
“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!””
This man believed, yet he knew his faith was nowhere near what it could and should be. He was humbled and awestruck all at the same time. Friends, that’s us sometimes. We KNOW the Lord can…. Yet we wonder if He will and when. We waver, but we don’t lose our faith. That’s a different kind of doubt than what we’re addressing today.
Doubt stirs a lot of different responses. Distrust is one of them and is a strong emotion often motivated by negative, hurtful experiences or outright betrayal from others, whether in the church or outside. These negative experiences can cause a distrust of all people, and a tendency to hold others at arm's length. Much like a child bitten by a dog who then views all dogs as suspect. To those who have been hurt or betrayed, relationships can be unsafe. Their distrust is a protective measure they put in place to ensure they won’t fall victim once again.
So when we approach others who have been hurt and explain the freedom and salvation found in a relationship with Christ, we should try to understand why there may be distrust. The thing is, people and institutions are a poor representation of God. Yes, we’re His image-bearers, but we are flawed and human. We’re sinful. And sometimes we just do a bad job of representing Him well.
But God is faithful. He’s perfect! He’ll never disappoint or deceive. God assures us that we CAN trust Him! Psalm 9:10 “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” We can encourage others that they, too, can have confidence in God. He won’t betray. He won’t abandon. His love won’t grow cold.
Oh what peace comes when we rest in Him! And we CAN rest!! We don’t have to be on our guard with God. He is our Protector and our Shelter and Strength. He is patient with us to help us overcome our distrust. We need to not look to others or to a ‘church’ or denomination. (yes, those relationships are needed and healthy for spiritual growth…but our salvation comes from God alone.) We need to train our eyes and heart to look to the Lord. Psalm 105:4 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 62 is such an encouragement for those who struggle with distrust.
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”
The next aspect of doubt is Ignorance-a lack of knowledge. Sometimes people realize their lack and seek to remedy that with pursuing knowledge. While others seem to glory in the fact that they don’t know…and they don’t care. Perhaps pride dictates and they argue, insisting they are right. That’s the behavior of someone who lacks a teachable spirit. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s a dangerous riptide that will pull the unassuming ‘floater’ into a tide of dangerous beliefs. And far too often we try and argue with the ignorant one to change their mind and show them the error of their ways, only to realize they’re stubborn and we’re exasperated. Prayer changes things. It really does. We need to pray that the one who struggles with ignorance begins to crave knowledge. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The Lord offers hope and help for those who lack wisdom and understanding! He’s at the ready to combat the doubt! James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Today, let’s pray on several fronts
That our sons and daughters would be protected from negative experiences or betrayal that would impact their confidence in God, in Scripture and in fellowship with believers.
That our sons and daughters would pursue Biblical knowledge. Pray that they would have a hunger and thirst for righteousness and they would enjoy spending time reading and studying God’s word. Pray that pride and ignorance would not be the dynamic duo that derails their faith.
“Father, You have the power and authority to orchestrate experiences and relationships. I pray that You would put a hedge of protection around (name) today to keep them from anything that might cause them to question their faith or doubt Your goodness. Lord, I pray that they would put their hope in You, not in a person or institution. Human things will always disappoint, but You are the Great I Am, the Sovereign of the Universe, the Lord of all Creation, with You is unfailing love. I pray that (name) would lean into Your love today and be reassured that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I pray, too, that (name) would pursue Biblical knowledge without tiring. Give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Give them insight and discretion to spot ignorance and false teaching. Lord, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus today. May (name) ask you for wisdom and knowledge and look to You for the answers to their questions and their problems. Lord, may the knowledge of Scripture hold a charm and value to them that nothing in this world would ever match. I pray for Your protection over them and Your provision for them today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Doubt: part 1. Ambiguity and Confusion
James 1:6 “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (ESV)
or
James 1:6 “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” (NLT)
or
James 1:6 “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.” (NASB)
__________________________________________________________________
Doubt can color everything, can’t it? It can impact our trust, our understanding, our ability to connect with others and, ultimately, our ability to trust in the Lord. We often hear the phrase “I doubt it” and we may even use it ourselves. It’s our way of expressing disbelief, or at least skepticism. It can be a challenge or a simple expression of ambiguity. But when it comes to our faith, it can crack our foundation or bring rot to our roots.
What really causes doubt? Over the next few weeks we’re going to look at some other words for doubt and their antonyms to give us a bit more insight. We want to be confident in how we should pray for others who may struggle with doubt.
Look at that list. Do you see anything unique about the left column? The words are all tactics Satan uses to undermine the work of the Holy Spirit, to erode our faith and to woo people away from Christ. This week we’ll look at the first two words, ambiguity and confusion and we’ll dive into the others over the next two weeks.
If we’re ambiguous it means that we’re open to various meanings and we’re equivocal (1). We’re prone to “waffle”. Someone who is ambiguous will not say there is just one way to Heaven, that would be too narrow and exclusive. No, they’ll be more of an ‘all roads lead to Heaven” kind of person. But John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” We can be certain that Jesus is the only way to reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sin and redemption to eternal life.
Satan wants nothing more than to remove absolutes. If he can convince people that ‘being a good person’ or ‘doing good works’ will earn a spot in Heaven, then he’s accomplished his deception and lured people from the cross. Ambiguity leads to variations of the gospel, yet Galatians 1:6-7 warns us “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” Yes, there are ‘different gospels’ out there, but only One gospel is the gospel of Jesus Christ that provides grace and mercy for sinners. Romans 10:9 confirms it, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” That is Biblical certainty right there- there’s nothing ambiguous about it.
We need to pray that our sons and daughters have a clear understanding of justification and redemption through Jesus Christ. Romans 4:25-5:2 “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” Pray that they would have spiritual wisdom and would daily pursue Godly knowledge so that they are on guard against false gospels that would woo them from the cross. Pray that they have peace in the certainty that there is one way to the Father and that is through Jesus.
The second tactic Satan uses is confusion- a state of disorder. Have you ever been to a party where they play “pin the tail on the donkey”? The player is blindfolded and then spun around several times so they lose their bearings and have no sense of direction. Because they’re blindfolded, they have no ability to ‘see’ where they are going and their senses are confused. The spectators around them yell directions, but not everyone is honest about the destination they’re pointing toward. Just like the player in the game, those who struggle with confusion listen to those around them with no sense of who is leading them or to what they are being led. They lack a foundation of Truth and because of that, they’re vulnerable to follow the wrong path.
There are many ‘voices’ that give false direction. Oh, they ‘look the part’. They sound knowledgeable. But even Satan used scripture to tempt Jesus (Luke 4). Those struggling with spiritual confusion lack the spiritual discretion that warns them from false teachers. These other voices ‘sound good’ and the doubters begin to buy into the message. Why? Because they lack knowledge of Scripture. They lack a solid foundation. They lack spiritual discretion and a heart in tune with the Holy Spirit. Satan counts on that. He stirs confusion to pull people away from the Truth. But scripture says, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
An understanding of Scripture brings clarity. Pursuing correct knowledge and growing in our understanding of God’s Word protects us from confusion by the enemy. We must pray that our sons and daughters are diligent to add to their Biblical knowledge and guard against deception and confusion. 2 Peter 3: 17-18 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
This week, let’s pray over our sons and daughters so ambiguity and confusion would not infect and impact their faith and cause them to doubt. Friends, the enemy is alive and well. He is the prince of the power of this earth. He is at work to draw us away from Christ and plant the seeds of doubt in our hearts. Let’s fight this!! Let’s get on our knees and intercede for those we love.
“Father, You see the dangers we face each day and You are mighty to surround us with protection. I pray for Your divine protection over (name) today. Filter what they hear through the Truth of Scripture. Give them spiritual discernment to know when they encounter false teaching or deceptive messages. I pray that they would have unwavering commitment to walk with You so they are not easily pulled from the path of life and sidelined by the enemy. Keep their path clear of obstacles that would make them ‘trip’ and make their direction sure- always pointed toward You and moving closer each day. Lord, guard us all from ambiguity and confusion. Don’t allow the opinions of others or the pressure of the crowd to influence our commitment and certainty about following Christ. I pray Philippians 4:7 over (name) today “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Check Your Roots
Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
As parents, we’re burdened to see our sons and daughters continue walking with the Lord and growing in their spiritual lives and understanding. We want to see them living the abundant life! We want them to live victoriously in a world that seeks to drag them down. How can we pray to that end more effectively?
The Apostle Paul, in Colossians, encourages us with several directives that are aimed at strengthening our spiritual walk and protecting us from the enemy.. The first is to “continue” to live our lives in Him. That word “continue” is the word “peripateo'' in Greek and it means to walk, to make one’s way, to progress or conduct oneself (1). It’s the word from which we get the word ‘perpetual’. So if we’re continuing in Christ it means that we are growing in our faith and our lives exemplify a continued progression toward Christ and toward becoming like Him. It doesn’t stop. We can not be static. We’re not to be passive. So our first point of prayer this week is that our sons and daughters would continue to walk with the Lord and grow in Him.
But that’s not all. We’re told to be rooted. “Rhizoo” (2) is the Greek word for “rooted” and it means to be planted…not just set or placed like plastic flowers stuck in a garden. We’re to be firmly rooted, growing, digging our roots in and blossoming gloriously, bearing fruit. We do that by digging deeply into the Word- not just listening and walking away, but taking it in and letting it change us, strengthen us and make us firm in our faith. We want deep roots, not shallow wimpy ones. Prayer point number two is that our sons and daughters would have strong, healthy roots and that the ‘fertilizer’ they apply would be spiritually organic- straight from the Word and poured out by the Holy Spirit.
The next directive is to be built up in Him. Note that it’s not just a general “building up”, but being built up in HIM. The Greek, epoikodomeo (3), defines this as being built upon. Have you ever seen a beautiful majestic tree that was uprooted by a storm? Although the tree looked sturdy, the roots spread broadly, but not deeply. It lacked a strong foundation. Whatever it chose to dig its roots into and around wasn’t strong enough to allow the tree to stand in the storm. When the storm came through, the tree was quickly toppled over. The whole thing was uprooted and what was left after the storm gave evidence that the tree lacked healthy roots... The ‘surface’ beauty of the tree belied the weakness of its foundation.
Our lives are the dwelling place of Christ. We need a good foundation for our faith, but we need to be built in Him as well so that our lives reflect His Presence. As parents, we likely laid the foundation with our children. But now it falls on them to build upon it and make it their own according to the guidelines provided in Scripture- God’s building code.. Pray that our sons and daughters continue to grow and build their faith with solid teaching and wise understanding of the Word.
Finally, Paul encourages us to be ‘established’ or made firm and sure and abounding with thanksgiving. If we’re established, we are strong in our faith and we’ll be overflowing with gratitude for the Lord’s blessings and the certainty of His promises. If we’re growing, we’ll be overflowing!
So today, let’s take some time to pray these things over our sons and daughters…and ourselves and the whole Body of believers. Let’s overflow with thankfulness because the Lord doesn’t stop working in us but continues until He completes that good work He started in us!!
“Father, thank you for the promises in Your Word that encourage us and show us the way we should go. I pray that You would help (name) today to continue to walk in You. Lord, help them to stick to the narrow way and not veer off toward the wide road that leads to destruction (Mt 7:14). Give them good teaching and healthy spiritual friendships and discipleship that will build their foundation and allow them to be properly planted. Help them to flourish and bear fruit. Lord, I pray that they would be established both in their own quiet time and in Church. Give them relationships that would sharpen and encourage them and help them to overflow with thanksgiving for all that You’ve done and will continue to do. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray Without Ceasing.
G4043 - peripateō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4043/kjv/tr/0-1/
G4492 - rhizoō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4492/kjv/tr/0-1/
G2026 - epoikodomeō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2026/kjv/tr/0-1/
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A Cry for Justice
Psalm 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
Social justice is the rallying cry of this generation. And justice is important- we long to see it achieved. Too often we see the results of sin, the miscarriage of justice and we watch as what is right is overlooked, trampled upon and left in a hopeless heap. We see people, image-bearers of God, mistreated, exploited, abused and neglected. It’s grievous. A lack of justice is indicative of great darkness. And we want to see it change.
Yet, the way we go about pursuing justice is often just as broken. Too often we speak as if we know, yet we’re ill informed. We campaign for justice, yet we lack righteousness. We assert authority where we really have none. We cast judgment bue we, ourselves, lack clean hands and a pure heart. Vindication becomes a personal mission and the rallying cry of those who agree with us. Yet, we’re increasingly frustrated because the process seems slow…or immoveable.
What really lacks isn’t more power or funding, it is full reliance on God to accomplish what is His, alone, to do. Does He ask us to stand for what’s right? Of course. But God is a God of order and His order is that first we pursue righteousness. Righteousness and justice go hand in hand. Yet, we seem to skip over that first part because this world screams for the latter far more. Righteousness is disdained.
We need to look at it through the lens of God’s Word vs the world’s angst. God tells us to commit our way to Him. That word ‘commit’ in Hebrew means to roll oneself or to wallow (1). Picture that. If we commit our way to God, we’re not taking the proverbial bull by the horns, we’re surrendering ourselves to God, luxuriating in His will and devoting ourselves entirely to His plan and purpose. It’s not ours to manage, but His, and He is able!
But we don’t just commit. It doesn’t stop there. We also have to trust. We must have confidence and hope that God will accomplish what He promises. It’s not just wishing. It’s a confidence that God will do what He promises. That’s the dynamic duo of effective faith! When we commit and trust, the Lord works in us and through us. Note the order in which He works, though.
First, He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn. Picture the sunrise. Everything is dark, and then that bit of light begins to break on the horizon. EVERYONE sees it because it’s the only light visible in the midst of all the darkness. Think about that. Our righteousness will shine in the darkness to those all around us. It’s not our experience, our credentials, our loud voice…it’s Jesus in us. When there is just one source of light in the darkness, all eyes are drawn to that light. It’s not the volume of our voice that garners attention, but the brightness of our life, surrendered to Christ. We need to allow God to bring our righteousness into the light to combat the darkness.. That is the first step toward effecting change in a dark and unjust world. And He WILL do it. Scripture doesn’t tell us He might or that He’ll consider it. No, He WILL do it.
But that’s not all. If we commit and trust, our righteousness becomes radiant AND the justice of our cause will shine like the noonday sun. Think about the sun at noon. It doesn’t preempt the dawn, but follows in good order.. The sun at noon is at its highest point in the sky offering total sunlight. Because it’s directly overhead, it illuminates everything and shadows are minimal. Don’t we long for the justice of our cause to shine? Don’t we want the least amount of shadow and darkness to inhibit the wheels of justice? And scripture tells us again that God will do it.
First righteousness, then justice. Too often we skip that first part to get to the second. But again, God is a God of order. He needs us to pursue righteousness first and be submitted to Him. It cannot be our agenda, it must be His. Righteousness illuminates truth. Truth supports justice. It is representative of God’s character. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” Psalm 89:14
Let’s change course. Let’s approach a pursuit of justice by first by committing our way to the Lord. We can’t affect real change simply by being passionate. The loudest voice in the room isn’t necessarily the one who makes a difference nor the one who is right. Let's ensure our heart is in step with the Savior and allow Him to bring change. He will do it.
“Father, there is so much in this world that grieves our hearts. I know my (son/daughter) sees it and is frustrated and overwhelmed. Our world pressures us to stand up and shout against injustice. Yet, You call us to first commit our way to You and then trust You to accomplish righteousness in us and justice through us. Lord, I pray that You would work in (name) and help them to understand Your order and what You desire for us. It seems backward us “but God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” 1 Cor 1:27 Lord, help us to be weak so that You can be strong in us. Help us to be willing to be ‘foolish’ in the eyes of the world so that we can be wise in the Spirit and effective for Your kingdom. I pray that You would grow (name) in righteousness. Help them to commit and trust and be willing to watch You work according to Your plan and Your will. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
H1556 - gālal - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1556/kjv/wlc/0-1/
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Pray without ceasing. God is working! Trust Him!
Focused on the Storm or the Savior?
Most people have heard about the miracle of how Jesus fed the five thousand with just a young boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. He gave thanks and then broke it apart…and apart, and He kept going until there was enough to feed over five thousand people…with leftovers collected afterward. If we were witnesses to that, we’d all likely be marveling for days afterward. The disciples were front row witnesses. Yet, despite that and all the other miracles they’d seen, their short term memory seemed fragile when they faced something scary, something out of their control.
That’s where we pick up our passage, Matthew 14:22-32. Watch how the disciples react and respond; take note of the underlined portions.
“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
There are six things we can learn from this passage that can encourage us as we parent and pray.
First:
“and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.”
How many times do we feel buffeted and beat up by life because it seems everything is against us? Life is hard. Circumstances are painful. Other people are difficult. The wind of life is often working against us and we’re pushed back, pushed down and pushed to our limits….but, friends, Who is the maker of the wind? Our Lord and Savior Jesus…we need to remember that.
Second:
“they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.”
Remember, the disciples had just been with Jesus a short time before this happened. Yet they panicked. They suffered short term memory issues. They forgot that the Master of the Universe and the Lord of Creation was just a shout away…. We’re more like the disciples than we often care to admit. When we are afraid, we often default to panic and the immediate need to fix or control the situation. Instead, we need to call on the Savior.
Third:
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.””
Jesus sees our struggle. He understands our fear. He knows that we are mortal and fragile and we are overwhelmed and intimidated by things that are out of our control.
When our children feared something and cried out, we didn’t wait until they’d suffered an acceptable amount of time. We didn’t allow them to ‘tough it out’ to help them learn. No, we would quickly move to comfort and soothe them, tell them we were there with them and tell them there was no need to be afraid. Look at Jesus’ words above!! Isn’t that just like a Good Father?. God doesn’t wait until we’ve suffered long enough in our fear…He reassures us immediately. He reminds us that He’s there with us and He tells us we have nothing to fear.
Fourth:
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
Ah, Peter; don’t you just love impulsive, energetic, passionate Peter?! Take note of Peter’s first words….Lord, if it’s you…..
There was some doubt there and a bit of a challenge too. But Jesus didn’t reprimand him. Jesus didn’t ask Peter what his motives were. He didn’t ask him whether he was qualified. Jesus welcomed him. He knows our hearts. He sees our doubt and skepticism. He understands our fear and our mistrust. He sees that we want to believe, but our humanness gets in the way. Jesus welcomes us anyway. Step out and bring Him your doubt and fear. Go on.
Fifth:
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Peter took a few steps, then realized where he was and what He was doing….and he began to sink. Yet, instead of wringing his hands and wondering what on earth he should do, he cried out to Jesus.
He got it right. He didn’t try to solve it on his own. He didn’t tell the Lord to wait until he figured it out. He didn’t push away the hand that was there to save him, insistent he could do it himself. He cried out, “Lord save me!”
Here’s the thing, every time the disciples took their eyes off of Jesus and focused on the situation and circumstances surrounding them, they became doubtful and fearful. Peter saw the wind. He felt the waves. He looked down at the water instead of into the eyes of Jesus. He succumbed to the situation rather than surrendering to the Savior.
When circumstances start to pull us under, all we need to do is cry out to Jesus “Lord, save me!”
and then…
Sixth:
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out to save Peter. He reached out and caught him. He saved him. He rescued him, not because he deserved it or earned it, but because Jesus loved him.
When we’re praying for our loved ones, whether our sons and daughters, family members or those for whom we’re burdened, we can become overwhelmed with the circumstances and lose sight of the Savior. And when we do that, we begin to doubt Him, we question His goodness, we become impatient with His timing. We are uncertain of how He will answer and we start to lack confidence in His grace and mercy. We may even lose trust…but why? Because we’re looking at the circumstances and not the Savior.
Just to recap
The storm may be against us, but we serve the Lord of the wind and the waves
We can’t allow our fear to take the throne and control our responses. Let’s remind ourselves of the Lords power and faithfulness. He is able to calm the storm!
Jesus will always remind us that He’s with us, we have nothing to fear if we are trusting in Him.
Jesus sees our doubts. He loves us anyway and He’ll always welcome us to come to Him.
When we’re sinking, all we need to do is cry out for Jesus to save us. We don’t need to fix it ourselves.
Jesus responds to our cries! Always!
Do you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of circumstances? Call out to the Lord. Is your son or daughter in the midst of a storm? Call out to the Lord. Did you get a phone call, a text or a message that shook you? Call out to the Lord. He has a 100% response rate and His strength is unmatched. Trust Him. Let’s not lose sight of the Savior, friends.
“Father, You know this storm (go on, explain it to the Lord) But I know You are Lord of the wind and the waves. Help me to focus on You and not on the situation. Help me not to fear what might be, but be confident in what I know is True. You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Right now I want to pray for (name). You know their needs and their struggles. You see them in the midst of the storm and the wind that is carrying them away from You, from Your safety and refuge. I pray that You would go to (name), Lord. Meet them where they are. Make Yourself evident to (name) today. I pray that in the midst of their turmoil, fear and doubt that Your voice would be loud and clear “It is I, don’t be afraid”. Lord, calm (name)’s heart today and give them courage to trust You. Lord, if they are drowning in the storm, reach out and save them immediately. Draw (name)’s gaze to You. Encourage them with Your comfort, your Presence and Your reassurance. Jesus, they need You. I pray that they would see their need and, instead of trying to fix it themselves, they would cry out to You. I pray that You would stand in the midst of the storm with them and hold them close. Lord, hear their cry and answer immediately. I trust You and I know You can do more than I could ever ask or imagine. I pray that You would be Lord of the storm today and bring peace, calm and rescue. Bring (name) into safe fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Do you know someone who is struggling today? Why not share this post with them and encourage them to cry out to Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Acid Tongue
Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Acid burns. It corrodes. It’s sour. Those qualities can describe our words, too. They hit hard, they burn and fester. Words can eat away at our heart and mind leaving them raw, exposed and hurting. Words can set our spirit on edge and cause damage that is not easily repaired.
Sometimes we may find ourselves using our words to try and motivate certain responses or actions - what we think our sons and daughters should do or be. But that can quickly turn into using words as a weapon to accomplish our own agenda. Our words can become passive-aggressive and just plain nasty. Maybe we don’t intend them to be so; sometimes we don’t realize the weight and sharpness of our words. But we should.
James 3:5-10 says, “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Our words can pull others close, or push them away. They can speak truth in love and be a balm to a hurting heart. Or our words can be caustic, burning as they hit and leaving scars as they sink deeply. Our mantra should not be “well, the truth hurts”. It should be “how can I speak like Jesus?” You see, Jesus didn’t look for opportunities to tear others down, to speak ‘truth that hurts’ or to use passive-aggressive means to win souls. He didn’t use His words to puff himself up or show himself ‘better than’. He didn’t use words to shame or humiliate. No, Jesus was compassionate. He was thoughtful.
Yes, Jesus spoke truth- He IS the Truth. But he spoke it in such a way that the ‘other’ was respected. He spoke with words that intrigued the listener and supported the Holy Spirit’s work in them. Even those caught in sin were spoken to in love, not spite or arrogance (that was the Pharisees’ approach). The woman in John 8, caught in sin, wasn’t given a whole sermon on her depravity. She wasn’t paraded out as an example to others and shamed for her actions. Her missteps were not listed out for her and all others to hear. She wasn’t humiliated because of her error, she was shown compassion, because Jesus loved her and He wanted His words to reflect His love and compassion.
Proverbs 12:18 “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Let’s not allow our words to be dictated by which day of the week it is….- speaking sweetly on Sunday when we’re at church and then turning the switch to acid words when we get in the car and set our Bible aside. Let’s stop and think, “will my response, my words, my questions and my encouragements make others love Jesus more…or will they begin to corrode the heart and spirit of the listener?”
The Lord calls us to love Him with all of our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength (Luke 10:27). If all of us is consumed with Him, then our words will be a by-product of that relationship. We’ll speak words of truth and life because that’s where our heart, soul, mind and strength are grounded . If our words don’t reflect that, it’s an indication that our focus might need some readjusting.
Friends, Jesus doesn’t need us to be another's ‘Holy Spirit’. He’s got that covered. He needs us to speak truth in love. Yes, friends, it’s time to watch our words. Let’s put aside the acid tongue and speak to one another, to our sons and daughters, to those who may be within earshot, with an agape vocabulary: one that shows affection, goodwill, benevolence and love. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24.
Today, let’s pray that we speak in ways that reflect Christ. Pray that our sons and daughters would as well. Pray that the Holy Spirit would put a guard on our tongues and prick our hearts when we begin to pour acid instead of honey. Let’s impact our world with the Love of Christ, not the sting and stench of the old nature.
“Father, You are the Author of Truth and the giver of good. If we are your children, we should reflect Your nature- help us to do that. I pray that when I speak, it would be motivated by love and not my own agenda. Lord, I so want my sons and daughters to follow after You. But sometimes my words don’t encourage them and the example I set is not always one that reflect You. Change me, Lord. Make me more like Jesus. Let the words I speak build others up- even if they’re just overhearing, let them be blessed because they hear Jesus in the way and words that I speak. I pray for (name) today. Let the words of their mouth and the meditation of their heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord (Ps. 19:14) Lord, help us to respond, not react, when we choose to speak. Let our words be like honey, not like acid. Lord, I love You and I want to represent You well. Please work in me, work in my family, let our words point others to the cross, not to a wake of wreckage that we leave behind due to our acid tongues. Let us be known for the sweetness of our words, not an acid tongue. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth: keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Ps 141:3” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing, friends!
G26 - agapē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g26/kjv/tr/0-1/
Fear Nurtures a Traitorous Heart
Matthew 14:22-33 “Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
We’ve all likely felt the emotion- that ‘hair-standing-up-sending-tingles-through-your-body’ imminent danger of fear.
But what causes fear? According to dictionary.com fear is “a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid” 1
We fear when we encounter something greater than we are that has the power to cause pain, shatter our peace or destroy us. We fear when something is out of our control. Fear sets in when others in the situation or the elements surrounding us exceed our perceived ability to manage and maintain our preferences and comfort. It’s a response to lack of control.
Fear seems to be an ever-present part of parenthood. When they’re little we fear that they’ll stop breathing, or choke on food, or run into the street or get sick or… the list goes on. As they grow, we fear them driving cars, the other drivers, the ‘creepers’ who are out there, the temptations…that list goes on, too. Now that they’re adults, the fears remain, they just change location and direction and intensity.
As parents, we can quickly descend into fear. And when we do, we become like Peter in Matthew 14:22-33 when Jesus invited him to step out and walk on the water. At first, Peter eagerly obeyed and began walking toward Jesus. But then the reality of his surroundings, the deep water, the distance from the boat, the gravity-both figurative and literal- grabbed his attention. He took his eyes off of Jesus and focused on everything around him that could threaten and harm him. Fear stepped between Peter and Jesus…and he began to sink. He permitted fear to gain power over him. He allowed the situation to dictate his response rather than the Savior who controlled the situation.
When we look around at this world, it’s not hard to feel that fear welling up inside of us. We want to protect our kids, and that’s understandable. But we can easily cripple our heart and mind with fear if we dwell on all the ‘what ifs’. But, friends, living in the ‘what ifs’ is a form of fortune-telling, isn’t it? It’s imagining and expecting outcomes over which we have no control and allowing those expectations or fears to consume and control us. We believe in the ‘what-if’s more than we believe in our Savior. We stop trusting in the sovereignty of God and His mighty power.
If we live in fear, that’s an indication that a portion of our heart and mind are not surrendered to Christ. It tells us that we don’t fully trust the Lord. An anxious heart weighs a man down (Prov. 12:25). That word ‘anxious’ means fear, being afraid. When we’re afraid, our thoughts are not consumed with God, but with whatever is threatening. When we fear, we’re effectively saying “God, I don’t trust that You can defeat this”. An anxious heart is a traitorous heart.
Here’s the incredible truth, if we are in Christ, the very power that worked in Him to raise Him from the dead is the same power that works in us.
Ephesians 1:18-20 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,”
God has no equal. There is nothing that can put Him in danger, threaten His power or position, or overcome Him with evil. He overcame evil when Jesus died on the cross for sin, descended into the depths to take the keys of death and Hades and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. No other has that resume. No other has the power to do that.
Friends…we have nothing to fear! 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (KJV) If we are found in Christ, we are held safe in the shadow of His wing. We are held secure in the refuge of His presence. We are surrounded by the strength of His power and might. We are victorious in His record of victory!
Our fear is a tool of the enemy to get our eyes off of Jesus and onto our troubles. Fear is a poison that infects us quickly and renders us ineffective. Let’s purpose to not give in to fear but to stand firm in our trust of our Savior.
Let’s pray today that fear ceases to be a part of our parenting and that, instead, we live with confidence and joy and we exhibit an example that our sons and daughters should follow.
“Father, I pray that today You will eclipse any fear that wants to settle in my heart and mind. Help me to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable (Phil. 4:8). Lord, You are Sovereign. You are Almighty. You have no equal and there is nothing and no one who can challenge or overthrow You. Lord, help me to remember that. When fear threatens to creep in and steal my peace and joy, I pray that You would take my face and direct my eyes to You. Lord, I pray that I would not live in fear and that I would not allow it to take root in my heart and mind. It’s a poor example for my sons and daughters. If I live in fear, I essentially demonstrate that I don’t trust You to do what You promise. Forgive me for my fear, for my mistrust, for my wavering faith.”
“I pray that You would help (name) to trust You fully and rest in Your safe-keeping. Don’t allow fear to distract (name) from following You with their whole heart and mind and strength. Don’t let them cave to the taunts of the enemy who tries to get their attention and steal their peace. I know fear is a tool of the enemy, so I pray that you would empty his toolbox and render him powerless. I pray that (name) would look to You for strength and that You would fill (name) with confidence in Your Sovereignty and Power. That same power that worked in Jesus to raise Him from the dead is the power that works in us. Lord, help us to live in that power today. Give us victory over fear. We are Your children and we know You are our Perfect Father who will always protect and watch over us. Help us to rest in that today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Why not share this today with someone who struggles with anxiety and fear? Let’s encourage one another in our walk with Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Dictionary.com. Fear definition & meaning. Dictionary.com. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/fear
Holy by Association
Colossians 1:2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Associations can make or break us, can’t they? If we know someone of position or wealth, we may be tempted to name drop, saying, “I know (insert name of popular or famous individual), we’re friends!” Our social standing is elevated and we have a measure of importance because of our connection.. We might even expect to receive preferential treatment or special access because of who we know. Our value in the eyes of others may increase, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of who we know. It becomes a point of pride and self-importance.
We’re also familiar with the phrase “guilty by association” and we fully understand what that means. Just by knowing someone and being in their presence when a wrong is committed can cause us to be guilty by association. Perhaps it’s a business partnership wherein one partner acts illegally.. The other partner is then ‘guilty by association’ due to the shared responsibility and benefits of that partnership. Guilt by association can stem from the actions of a friend, family member or group to which one belongs. We’re culpable not because of what we’ve done, but because of who we know. It becomes a point of disgrace and humiliation.
But holy by association? What does that even mean and how does that happen?
The Apostle Paul addressed this when he wrote to the church in Colossae,
Colossians 1:2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
What did Paul mean when he called these believers “God’s holy people”? Was it how they lived their life? Were they exceptionally spirit-led and sinless?
Strong’s Concordance says the word ‘holy’ or ‘hagios”, means a people who possess distinction because of a connection to God. They are sacred, pure, morally blameless and consecrated (1).
Did you catch that… a people who possess distinction because of a connection to God. If we are believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and we trust in Him alone for our salvation, we are holy by association. How amazing is that?! It’s only because of our connection to Him that we are spiritually set apart and recognized as God’s own. It’s not just because we know Jesus, but because Jesus knows us and claims us as His own. Nothing we do on our own could ever achieve this status. It’s only through Jesus. We are holy by association.
Scripture makes several references to this holy association.
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
1 Corinthians 1:2 “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:”
Romans 1:7 “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Hebrews 2:11 ”Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”
Did you note that last verse? Both the one who makes people holy (Jesus) and those who are made holy (believers) are of the same family. Jesus is not afraid to call them/us brothers and sisters. We are holy by association.
That removes a whole lot of pressure to make ourselves ‘acceptable’, doesn’t it? It’s not up to us. We are chosen and made holy by the work of Jesus.
Friends, we need to take time to gain perspective. When we ‘name drop’ it should be the name of Jesus Christ, not to make ourselves more important, but to increase the fame of our Lord and Savior. When we truly understand that we are holy by association to God, we should respond in all humility, not pride, and remember that it’s only through Jesus that we have such a standing. We possess distinction because we are connected to God. We don’t have to make ourselves better, achieve a certain standing, or have an “A” list of friends in order to be recognized as holy. All we need to do is believe in Jesus and trust in Him for our salvation and redemption.
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters that they don’t fall into the trap of self-importance or faulty concepts of performance-based “holiness”. Pray that they would understand the immeasurable worth of their value in Christ Jesus- the One who makes them holy. Pray that they would practice humility in understanding the price of their holiness was gained through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus and the call to obey Christ. Finally, pray that they take their eyes off of human standards of connection and worth and lean into the Biblical definition of holiness as God’s chosen and dearly loved people.
Take time today to write out a prayer reflecting your understanding of holiness by association.
Pray without ceasing.
G40 - hagios - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g40/niv/mgnt/0-1/
The Decay of Sin & The Master Builder
1 John 3:2 “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”
Have you ever taken time to look at an abandoned house…I mean really up close? They can look rather intriguing from a distance. But the closer you get, the more you begin to see the decay. Windows might be broken out, letting the weather inside. And if the weather gets in, everything starts to decay. What once was a beautiful home, filled with love and life, becomes a shell, rotting from the inside out.
It’s kind of like sin. Sin takes a toll, doesn’t it? Oh, we start out sturdy, solid and beautiful, but the effects of steady sin weathers us. Sometimes the choices we make and the lives we choose to live wear us down over time and leave us battered and worn. The inner beauty we once had gives way to rot and ruin. Sin does that to us.
The window in the picture once framed a beautiful room. It protected it from the elements, yet it also let the light in so that the room was filled with the golden rays of the sun. And at night, in the darkness, it shone from the inside out so all could see its warmth and beauty.. But at some point, those living there left. Then, that window broke and what was once a barrier to the elements and a protector of the beauty within no longer worked. Now instead of a beautiful room, the glass is broken and lying on the ground, the curtains are shredded and the room inside is ruined by the elements. The floors and walls are weathered with rain and it is no longer a place of love and shelter.
There are so many analogies we could use. But, suffice it to say, we’re a lot like those houses, aren’t we? Oh, we may only leave our ‘window’ open but a crack, yet the weather of sin gets in and it slowly begins to destroy. It might not be much at first, but after time, it’s catastrophic. Even a small opening is enough for the Enemy to slowly creep in and begin to erode our foundation. Sin ruins. It ruins heavily, destructively and it’s not easily recovered from. We might not see the effects right away- that’s another deception of the Enemy. But the slow, steady influx of sin begins to rot our inner beauty into a dark, joyless heart that is in desperate need of God’s righteousness. Our holiness departs. We squelch the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit and we slowly decay.
Look at the picture again… and look through the window not at the room, but back out the other window to the sky! You can still see the light of day- not darkness! It’s a fresh new day on the other side of that window! You can see hope! You see, despite the decay happening inside, each day there is a new morning that surrounds this house.
Though it would take time and would come at a cost, this window and this room could be restored. God sees through our brokenness and provides redemption and restoration for anyone who asks! You see, God isn’t in the business of ‘redecorating’, He fully rehabilitates and restores. He renovates and brings us back to life. He sees the wreck that we are right now and the beauty that we will be once we allow Him to work in us.
Do you look at your son or daughter and see how their choices have caused damage and decay with the effects of sin? It hurts our hearts because we know what they once were and we long to see that inner beauty restored. But right now, all we can see is how the enemy has wreaked havoc. The disease of sin and selfishness has stripped away the beauty and left a mess. You know they ‘know’ the Truth, yet they’ve chosen to open their lives to everything else, and it shows.
Friends, be brave enough to see through the damage and believe in what God can do! He is the Master Builder! Just as someone who comes along and begins restorative work on that abandoned house, there is hope when God begins to work on us! We only see the house as it is now, but you know the Builder is at work and oh! It will be beautiful again!! Friends, that is how God can restore a life. Pray to that end. Trust in His skill. He’s the Carpenter. He’s the Creator. He’s the Great Physician. He can do artful work on even the most devastated life. He is Faithful and True and what He promises, He will do. “He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” Revelation 21:5
Prayer for Restoration:
“Father, I pray in Jesus’ name that You would begin a restorative work on (name) today. Lord, bandage their spiritual wounds, clean out the damage in their life. Evict the things that don’t belong, tear out the rot and ruin and rebuild their life to reflect Your glory. I know (name) is made in Your image, but right now, they don’t reflect that. Lord, do a work in them. Renovate their heart. Restore their mind. Holy Spirit, I pray that You would sanctify them to obedience to Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:2) Lord, bring repentance and follow it with abundant grace and peace. May the joy of the Lord be (name)’s strength. Help (name) to forsake all others and follow You solely, completely, wholeheartedly. Lord, I know that You can do a work unlike anything I could ask or imagine. I pray that You would restore (name) today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Prayer for Protection:
Lord, I pray for (name) today. I know they love You, Lord. But I also know that as believers, we are all a target of the Enemy. Lord, I ask that You would do some maintenance on (name) today. Seal up any ‘cracks’ in their character or their life that would allow the enemy to get in and cause destruction. I pray that they would put on the full armor of God: the helmet of salvation to protect their mind from spiritual attack; the shield of faith to deflect the fiery darts of spiritual warfare; the sword of the Spirit to defend against attack; the belt of Truth to guard against deception and lies; the breastplate of righteousness to guard their heart from deception and from temptation that would lure their love away from You; and feet shod with the gospel, so that their life, their words and their actions would be a testimony to others (Ephesians 6:10-18) . Help them to live without compromise and to daily take stock of what they choose to watch, read, and listen to so that nothing sneaks in and begins to weaken and destroy. Lord, I pray that you would guard them from ‘sneak attacks’ by the enemy. Make their foundation solid and their protection sure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Do you have a loved one who needs prayer? Feel free to reach out! Leave a comment or send an email. There is an army of sisters in Christ who are ready and willing to pray along with you!
Pray without ceasing, friend. And believe that God can restore a life!
Impressions
Deuteronomy 6:5-8 “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Did you ever notice your little one when they first woke up? Maybe they slept with their face against a favorite toy or on a patterned pillow and the lines of the fabric shown on their little faces. They looked funny and silly with wrinkles and lines embedded into their skin from pressing against that fabric. And when we got down on the rug to play with them our knees pressed into the carpet. We had fun, only to get up and realize the pattern of the weave impressed on our knees. Then there was the finger paint. Hands eagerly pressed into the paint and then pressed down onto the paper. The precious handprints were left behind, but the paint still clung to the skin and found its way into the cracks and crevices and under the fingernails. Despite washing up, the evidence of leaning into the paint was still present and visible. Oh, we can try and soothe the marks or scrub the paint away, but the impressions remain and they don’t fade quickly.
It’s much the same in our spiritual lives. You see, the things we lean into or rest upon leave an impression. What we choose to spend time with marks us and it starts to mold us to it, whether good or bad. Then others see the impact of our choices and where we’ve spent our time. The impressions don’t fade quickly. They remain for others to see.
Here’s a question for us as parents….What is it that we’re impressing on our children? On our grown sons and daughters? When they spend time with us, what is it that they carry away with them? Can they see that we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and strength? Do they know that God’s word is so deeply impressed in our own hearts and minds that it marks us for everything else and that when anyone looks at us, they see the imprint of God on our lives? Do our sons and daughters bear the marks of fellowship with the family of God when they leave us to go to their own home?
Friends, the more we look around us, the more we see the beginnings of the end. We see wars and rumors of wars, we see people mocking God and living in lavish sin, openly and defiantly. We see believers being harassed and persecuted. We can’t be ‘fence sitters’ ; we must choose wisely and live intentionally. What we’ve chosen to rest in and lean into will leave an impression on us for the world to see. It will give evidence of which side we’ve chosen.. Is it leaving the impression of Christ or of the world? We can’t ‘do it later’. Time is running out. What example are we setting?
Oh friends, we spend a lot of time praying for our sons and daughters, as we should. But let’s not neglect praying for ourselves and for other parents. We need to stand with conviction and be an example of those who do not lean on their own understanding but trust in the Lord. We need to set the standard for our sons and daughters and in our walk, our talk and our lives, exemplify that we love the Lord our God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength. We will not compromise. We will not ‘talk the talk’ yet bear the impression of the world on our faces…and our hearts. How will our sons and daughters follow? Will they choose the impression of Christ or of the world?
“Father, Today I choose You. I choose to follow You, obey Your Word and live my life in a way that gives evidence to those around me that You are my Lord and Savior. I pray today that You would help me to “Trust in the Lord with all [my] heart and do not lean on [my] own understanding.” (Prov. 3:5) I pray for other parents today that You would strengthen them to stand firm. Lord, help each of us to impress Your commandments on our children. Let our conversations be pleasing to You and edifying to those who hear. Lord, let Your Word and Your Truth be what is impressed on each of our hearts and lives so that when others see us, they see the marks of Jesus. Keep us safe and unharmed by this world. Keep us from sin and from oppression by the enemy. I know that Satan would love nothing more than to destroy believers’ testimonies and disrupt families. Guard us Lord so that we can be salt and light in this world. Raise up the next generation to follow after You with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. May Jesus be glorified. In His name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Despising a Vile Man
Psalm 15:1-4
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;
and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,
We live in a world of opposites, don’t we? What is right is often ridiculed as being wrong, antiquated or intolerant and what is actually wrong and sinful is celebrated and exalted as the standard to follow. Scripture tells us we should despise a vile man, yet this world will tell us that word is strong and should have no place in our lives. “Tolerance” is the word of the day.
So what exactly IS a vile man? A vile man is one who rejects or spurns the Lord. It is the opposite of one who accepts Jesus (1)
And what does it mean to despise? Strong’s defines this as holding in contempt, to disdain, not honor or admire (2) Consider a court of law. When someone speaks out against the judge or dishonors the trial process, they are held in contempt of court. “Contempt of court, also referred to simply as “contempt”, is the disobedience of an order of a court. It is also conduct tending to obstruct or interfere with the orderly administration of justice” (3). Someone who is in contempt is not honored or celebrated, they’re reprimanded. Yet, this world celebrates those in contempt of Christ- those who go against His rules of justice and righteousness.
But God tells us this:
We should hate sin and hate anything that is contrary to God, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13
We are called to stand for the Lord, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13
We are called to defend our faith, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter3:15
We are strangers here and should be seen as in this world, but not of it, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” John 17:14-16.
We need to live as we are called, and not embrace the sin around us, but be separate, “ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:15-17)
We can’t be followers of Christ and approving of, celebrating, excusing or tolerating things that go against God and His word. That’s being double-minded and will lead to instability in our faith (James 4:8).
And if we’re followers of Christ, we must stand by our commitment to Him, not waffle or wither when opposition comes (and it will) we must stand by our oath and be faithful to our commitment to God. (I Peter 1:6-7)
Finally, we need to honor those who fear the Lord. But we must be watchful and careful because there are many who claim to fear God, yet they use His word and His name to do ungodly things. Discretion must be at play here and we need to be cautious we’re not lifting up those who are doing sinful things and hiding behind their ego, their knowledge of Scripture and their ability to manipulate others. Friends, those would be considered vile men because they are not serving God, but themselves. Just because they are popular doesn’t mean they are Godly.
There is so much to ponder in Psalm 15:4. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters despise anything that rejects or stands in opposition to God and His word. We’re not called to be tolerant of sin. We’re called to stand for Truth. Then, pray that our sons and daughters have discretion to know and discern who truly is a follower of Jesus and that they do not misplace honor that should not be given. Finally, pray that they would stand firm in their faith, not turning back on their commitment to God but keeping their conviction, even in the face of opposition, persecution and trial.
“Father God, Sovereign of the Universe, You chose us according to your foreknowledge for sanctification through the Holy Spirit for obedience to Jesus. Give (name) strength and conviction today to hold to that commitment to follow Christ. I pray that You would help (name) to be uncomfortable with sin. When something is wrong- contrary to Your word, I pray that (name) would turn away, not defend it and not celebrate it. Give them integrity to stand for Truth even in the face of opposition. Give (name) the ability to love others as Jesus loves, but disdain the sin and the rebellion that is present. I pray You would also give (name) discretion to know the difference between someone who simply spouts scripture versus someone who lives it out. Lord, help them to follow You, not people or preachers or teachers. Lord, we know this world will continue to worsen and sin will continue to corrupt. Satan’s time is short and he’s doing all he can to destroy. Lord, protect (name) from the enemy. Keep them from being influenced by sin and evil. Guard them in Your love and strength so they will stand in the day of salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9). I pray this all in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing, friends.
H3988 - mā'as - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3988/niv/wlc/0-1/
H959 - bāzâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h959/niv/wlc/0-1/
Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Contempt of court. Legal Information Institute. Retrieved June 12, 2022, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/contempt_of_court
Psalm 15:3 Slanderous Words
Psalm 15:1-3
“Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?”
“The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;
and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,”
As we work through Psalm 15, praying each verse, we’re learning what God says about those He welcomes to live in His presence, and isn’t that what we desire for our sons and daughters? We know that God desires those whose walk is blameless, who do what is righteous and who speak truth (the opposite of slander) from their heart. They need to know God’s word and live by it. Psalm 15:3 continues by adding that those who are welcome to live in God’s presence should have no slander on their tongue- they set a guard on their mouth.
Slander is a wicked thing. We see it in the world around us, and most recently in a trial between celebrities. Untruths spread to damage another, to get ahead, to inflict hurt in return for hurt. That’s not how we’re called to live. Yet, that’s the example set by the world today. Our sons and daughters need to rise above it.
Have you heard of toothpaste words? Just like toothpaste squeezed out of the tube cannot be put back in…words spoken out cannot be retracted. Oh, you can try, but once said, those words are out there and will continue to make their way around, despite your best efforts to recall them.
Untruths willingly and eagerly shared to intentionally damage another's reputation are toothpaste words; they’re slander and it’s just wrong. When our kids were little, we monitored what words they used and corrected them when they said something unkind or rude. But, now that they’re adults, we just can’t control what they say. That’s true, but we can set an example and we can gently speak to them, adult to adult, about their words.
Friends, we live in an information-saturated world where everyone ‘speaks their truth’ and fights for the right to be heard. Yet, “when words are many, sin is not absent” Proverbs 10:19. We are called to a higher standard as believers.
What sets a believer apart? Their life, their actions and their words. Words carry weight and we need to be cautious how we use them. Yet, if we choose to slander, we’re sending conflicting messages to the world around us. On one hand, we speak the truth of Scripture and on the other, we share untruths that damage others. We need to love our neighbor, not use words as a weapon against them.
James 3:9-12 “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
We might think that only happens ‘in the world’ but friends, it’s in the church, it’s in the small group, it’s in the friend group. It’s in Christian media and comes from Christian leaders. We need to hold ourselves accountable and to God’s word. We need to not be a party to the conversation. We need to step back and encourage others to speak truth that encourages others.
Unfortunately, many believers fall into the habit of sharing ‘hearsay’, sometimes thinly disguised as a ‘prayer request’ or shared out of ‘concern’ for a brother or sister.. But there’s a fine line between prayer requests and toothpaste words. And when we fall into that habit,, we run the risk of being known as a gossip, as someone who betrays another with information that is damaging and we become someone who is untrustworthy.
Ultimately, someone who slanders another is not respecting that other as one made in the image of God. Would we dare slander the Lord? Heavens, no! Then why would we be comfortable sharing untruths about one of His image-bearers?
Let’s pray Ephesians 4:29 becomes a guidepost in our lives and in those of our sons and daughters. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
“Father, I ask that You would be glorified in my words today. Put a guard on my mouth and stop me from speaking things I should not. I pray for (name) today that they would set boundaries on what they choose to invest in when it comes to conversations and words. Lord, give them discretion in what they believe about others. Help them to cling to the Truth of Your Word and rise above the harsh words, deception and ill-intent of others. Lord, let them always treat others as fellow image-bearers, even if that other has words and actions that are ungodly. I pray that (name) would be a light and would live and speak with integrity so that they are trustworthy and honest, representing Jesus well in a world that needs Him so desperately. In Jesus name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Psalm 15:2 Walking Blamelessly
Psalm 15:1-2
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?
The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;
We’re continuing to pray through Psalm 15 and this week, we’re focusing on verse two. Last week we discussed and prayed through what it means to live and dwell with the Lord. But not everyone will have that privilege. No, it’s reserved for those who follow God’s commands outlined through the remainder of Psalm 15.
Notice that verse two speaks about how the one who dwells with the Lord will have a life, actions and words that all reflect God’s Presence and power in their lives. Let’s dig into verse two.
What does it mean to be blameless? We might think it’s being free from guilt. But it’s more than that. If one is blameless, they are complete, unimpaired, ‘whole’ (1). Someone who is blameless understands and knows they are not missing anything- there is no longer a hole in their heart or an emptiness in their life. God has redeemed and restored them. They received the grace of God to cover their sin and they’ve been restored to fellowship with God that fills the emptiness that once lingered. Don’t we desire that wholeness for our sons and daughters? Of course we do!
One who is right with God has a deep desire- a spiritual conviction- to do what is right and just and to support that in every way. They can’t overlook or turn a blind eye to injustice and they can’t tolerate wrong. It goes against their new nature, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and called to follow Christ and His Word.
Finally, someone who is made whole and who pursues righteousness and justice will speak truth from his heart. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”
A blameless person is one whose very life reflects the mighty change that God worked in them through their lifestyle, their actions and their words. There is no contradiction of saying one thing and doing another. They pursue God with their whole being and they cling to His Word because it is life.
When our children were little, they were around us daily and heard us speak and watched our actions. Oftentimes we would see or hear them imitate us. They were learning and putting into action what we modeled. When we abide in God’s Presence, we learn His words and we understand how we should live our lives and if we’re committed to the Lord, we’ll want to share that truth with others. Why wouldn’t we want to let others know about the peace and wholeness that comes from following Christ? Ephesians 5:1-2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
We long for our sons and daughters to live in God’s Presence each day. But not just ‘dwell’ as a tenant would, but as a member of the family, enjoying all that relationship has to offer. We want them to have a longing to live their lives in such a way that would show others that they live for a different Purpose than the world around them does.
This week, pray Psalm 15:2 over your sons and daughters. Ask that their walk would be blameless, that they would do what is righteous and that they would know God’s Word well so they are able to speak truth from their heart.
“Father, I pray today that (name)’s walk would be blameless. Lord, help them to be more concerned with what You think of them than what the world thinks of them. I pray that they would live with conviction to follow Your Word, and Your truth and they would speak with boldness so that others can hear the Truth of Jesus and see it lived out in their life. Holy Spirit, give (name) a conviction to live without compromise and do what is righteous..not self-righteous, but to live with Godly righteousness determining their steps, their words and their actions. Lord, protect them and use them for Your honor and glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
H8549 - tāmîm - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8549/kjv/wlc/0-1/
Pray without ceasing.
Psalm 15:1 Dwelling with God
We’re going to take some time to pray Psalm 15 over our sons and daughters. There is so much rich truth in this Scripture! But we’re going to take our time and go verse by verse, ponding the truths in each one. I would encourage you to memorize Psalm 15 as we go through it. It’s just five verses, but so full of encouragement and truth by which we should live!
Let’s take some time to read through and pray Psalm 15:1 “Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?”
What does it mean to dwell? Strong’s Concordance says it means to “sojourn, abide, remain, be continuing”. It also means to “seek hospitality with” or “stand in awe of” (1).
Imagine seeking hospitality with the Lord? What must that be like? How would He welcome us and make us feel at home? There is no place we could feel more at home, more loved, more cared for. There is no safer place than dwelling with the Lord. He provides peace and sanctuary from everything in this world that would steal our joy.
The word ‘sanctuary’ is ‘tabernacle’ in the King James Version. A tabernacle was a tent, used by nomads for their dwelling and safety. But there’s more to it than that. The tent went along with them wherever they traveled. And they traveled in groups- never alone. Nomads lived in community and there was a sense of belonging, looking after one another and supporting one another. When we dwell in God’s tabernacle, we are a part of His family. We are never alone and wherever we go, He is there as well. When we abide with Him, we listen to His words, we watch His example and we begin to live a life that is unlike that of the world around us.
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would choose to dwell in God’s sanctuary. Pray that they would find belonging in Him and peace in His Presence and they would remain there- not running off in pursuit of those things that can never satisfy. Pray that they would deeply understand they are never alone, but as God’s child, He is with them and will care for them, protect them and no matter where they go, their home is with Him.
As you pray through verse one; pray for your sons and daughters by name. Meditate on the scripture and what those words mean and represent, then take some time to journal about dwelling with God and write out a prayer.
Pray without ceasing.
H1481 - gûr - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1481/niv/wlc/0-1/
It Matters Who You Follow
Matthew 24:23-27 “At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time. “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
Once upon a time, two teens were leaving the house to drive to school. They’d recently moved to a different house but were going to finish at the school they attended through the year. Neither was very good at directions, so when they pulled out of the driveway and saw a school bus, they thought they were golden! “We’ll just follow the bus!” they thought. “Because the bus always goes to school, right?”
They wound their way along, past farm fields, houses and barns, neither was worried that they didn’t really know where they were. They were following the bus and that would lead them to school; they were certain. Imagine their dismay when they pulled into the school lot and it wasn’t their school at all! They’d followed a bus for a different school district. It ‘looked’ the same, but it wasn’t going to the same destination. They were fooled into believing it would because, at first glance, it was just like their school bus. They didn’t check for evidence, they just followed.
Who you follow matters. What you pay attention to makes a difference.
Far too often, there are things that ‘look’ like they’re Biblical, or they sound “Christian” enough that we don’t ask questions or dig deeper. We follow because we hear or see enough to make us comfortable. Yet, we might find ourselves following after something that isn’t really Biblical and that’s the goal of the Enemy. Jesus said in Matthew 24, that as the end of days neared, there would be great deception and if possible, even the elect would be deceived.
As parents, we need to pray seriously, specifically and continuously for our sons and daughters that as the days grow darker, they would follow Jesus without wavering. We need to pray that they would have discretion in who and what they choose to listen to and follow. We need to pray that they would spot deception. Pray that they would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking and moving in their lives so that they will heed His warning when they encounter deception. Pray that they would be uneasy and alert to the present danger and wiles of the devil.
It matters who they follow and we need to stand in the gap in prayer as they navigate this life and the spiritual dangers around them. Just because they’re adults doesn’t mean they’re ‘golden’, it’s all the more reason to double-down on prayer for their spiritual growth and protection. This week, make a list of those things you want to pray over. Maybe put those items on an index card and carry it with you. Pray daily. Pray often. Pray using scripture and pray without ceasing.